The ASA crate is $7,295. The Blue Oval crate is $10,600 (www.mcgunegillengines.com).
Why wouldn't you run the ASA motor. I don't know what you got from AP for $15,000, but I know teams that paid over $30,000 for a built AP motor.
I don't know what the solution is, but if I was a promoter I think I would have them all run the 602 crate.

Just my two cents... running a single engine for a class simply has not worked to contain costs. Been tried all over Norrth America in all classes - in which many series has collapsed; including CART, Indy League, NASCAR Late Model. The only successful series that continues to run a standard engine is Formula Ford and Pro 4 and even then - you could argue the definition of success - their car counts haven't exactly skyrocketed and nor has fan appreciation for those divisions.

I'm not sure where everybody is getting their pricing from; Ford Racing 347 Jr is $7,395 (list price)

As for the ASA motors by Mcgunegill, the link below should clarify ALL the motors they offer as crate / sealed for Ford & GM. They do make a "JR" motor, but not under the "Blue Oval" banner of Ford Racing. The only approved circle track Ford Racing motor currently in production by a sub-contractor is Butler for the ACT series.

http://www.mcgunegillengines.com/engine_packages.html

Like many engine builders, they have come up with a set of engine build programs that 'blueprint" factory motors and are "licensed" track promotor rebuilders of "factory" sealed crate motors.

The 347 JR is a 350 HP motor.